The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - LOTR-A spiritual allegory?

mark12_30 · 01-27-2003, 04:03 PM

Ardwenna and Jesse,

There are numerous threads that discuss your question in depth, and I encourage you to explore them. You will find that in spirit, you are not alone, and while the difference between allegory (which Tolkien disliked) and applicability (which he rather expected in a good literary work, including his own) may seem picky to some, it is very important to many people on this board. I encourage you to study the difference. It will make forum activities much easier for you and much more enjoyable. Speaking about applicability gives you room that will be strictly denied you while speaking about allegory.

One last thought: I do not think Gandalf is an allegory of Jesus, nor Frodo, nor Aragorn. But in exegetical terms, I do think they are a type, or foreshadow, of Christ; an incomplete reflection of one or more aspects of his ministry. Think of the many types and foreshadows in the Old Testament, and you'll get the idea.

Here's a start of what's already here on this forum... There's more, if you search.

and consciously so in the revision

Frodo's Sacrifice

the elucidation of truth

Tolkien and catholic saints

eucatastrophe

the wrong kind of details: wonder

[ January 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]

01-27-2003, 04:03 PM	#15
mark12_30 Stormdancer of Doom Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Elvish singing is not a thing to miss, in June under the stars Posts: 4,349	Ardwenna and Jesse, There are numerous threads that discuss your question in depth, and I encourage you to explore them. You will find that in spirit, you are not alone, and while the difference between allegory (which Tolkien disliked) and applicability (which he rather expected in a good literary work, including his own) may seem picky to some, it is very important to many people on this board. I encourage you to study the difference. It will make forum activities much easier for you and much more enjoyable. Speaking about applicability gives you room that will be strictly denied you while speaking about allegory. One last thought: I do not think Gandalf is an allegory of Jesus, nor Frodo, nor Aragorn. But in exegetical terms, I do think they are a type, or foreshadow, of Christ; an incomplete reflection of one or more aspects of his ministry. Think of the many types and foreshadows in the Old Testament, and you'll get the idea. Here's a start of what's already here on this forum... There's more, if you search. and consciously so in the revision Frodo's Sacrifice the elucidation of truth Tolkien and catholic saints eucatastrophe the wrong kind of details: wonder [ January 27, 2003: Message edited by: mark12_30 ] __________________ ...down to the water to see the elves dance and sing upon the midsummer's eve.